Hawke's Bay Police are investigating the death of a middle-aged woman after a body was found at the eastern end of Westshore Beach, Napier, about 9.30am today.

Members of a local surf club found the body when they went to the beach for training.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave de Lange of Hawke's Bay CIB said it appeared the woman had been in the water for a relatively short time prior to her death. The woman has not yet been identified.

An autopsy is expected to be held tomorrow in Wellington to establish the cause of death. It is expected to be several days before results are available.

Mr de Lange said the area where the body was found was being examined for evidence. Police are also making inquiries into the woman's last known whereabouts and are speaking to local residents.

A small mobile home believed to have been used by the woman was parked in a car park on Westshore Beach near the public toilets adjacent to James Street. Police would like to know how long it was parked there.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hawke's Bay Police on 06 8310700.